News
The Sharks of Sharm el Sheikh
Despite having dive sites such as Shark Reef, Shark Observatory and Tiger Bay, Sharm el Sheikh is not typically renowned for its shark diving in comparison to areas like the Maldives or the Bahamas. However, does that mean that if you are a shark junkie you should rule Sharm out? In my opinion, definitely not!
Sharm was once THE spot to visit, which was close to Europe to see these graceful creatures, which is how the sites originally got their names. The great news is that the shark population in Sharm appears to be on the increase again, perhaps due to the recent years of fewer tourists and less boats (for reasons that everyone is aware…).
Photo: Adolfo Maciocco
Here at Camel Dive Club & Hotel, one of our favourite sightings of 2019 so far, has to be the five sleeping white tip reef sharks huddled together in an overhang on Gordon Reef (the Straits of Tiran). Being one of the few sharks that does not have to keep swimming in order to keep breathing, it was a truly remarkable view.
Photo: Cinzia Bismarck
Which other sites in Sharm should be on your wish list if you want to see sharks?
How about the Local Coral Gardens? In summer months, this small bay draws in the plankton thanks to the warmer water and currents, making the bay an ideal feeding area for the legendary, holy grail of scuba diving, the whaleshark. In 2018, this gentle giant was seen commonly grazing through and allowed divers a once in a lifetime encounter. With the daily third dive often held in this area, this is the reason why your guides tell you to “Never Skip the Third Dive!”
Photo: Cinzia Bismarck
You must also add Jackson Reef and the Straits of Tiran in general to your list. These reefs are situated in the most northern area of Sharm el Sheikh where the water tends to be a degree cooler than the rest of Sharm. That one degree seems to make all the difference when it comes to sharks. 2018 provided divers at these sites with close up views of tiger sharks, hammerheads and thresher sharks.
Photo: Cinzia Bismarck
Of course, do not forget Ras Mohamed National Park. This unique territory of water, which reaches depths of 750 metres and deeper, is an opportune habitat for sharks. The sheer walls and stunning visibility bring not only the spawning fish life but also encounters with mating grey reef sharks as our lucky divers at Camel got to experience last year.
We have to learn from the past when it comes to the fabulous elasmobranchs that we are now seeing and this needs to start now.
This means using every opportunity that we have to swim with a shark to educate ourselves and others that they are not a danger to us, as visitors to their underwater realm; providing that we play by the rules.
Photo: Valentina Cucchiara
As was proved by the recent project in “The Brothers” area of Egypt, we need to stop feeding this apex predator and not interrupt their natural behavior.
It is out of necessity that we stop polluting our seas and oceans with plastics, chemicals, sewage and the like – not only so that we are still able to enjoy our regular dives with sharks, but also for the sake of humankind.
If there are no more sharks then there is no more reef, fish and ultimately us!
Inspired? Take a look at www.cameldive.com and book your trip!
After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.
People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.
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- Bigeye Thresher Shark by Janina Rossiter
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- Carcharodon carcharias by Jimmy Higgs
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- Croc VR 2030 by Tom Mead
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- Oceanic Whitetip by ATM
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- Silky Street by ScapaJoe
The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.
One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.
Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:
https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24
Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.
Find out more here:
https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31
Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”
Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden
Cozy and warm in cold water.
It’s drysuit season all year round. With the new RS series premium drysuits from DYNAMICNORD, divers are perfectly equipped for all cold waters.
The sophisticated cut of the RS drysuits allows complete freedom of movement, providing maximum comfort. The high-quality 350 g/m² ripstop material with double ripstop zones on the elbows, knees, and crotch protect ensures extreme robustness as well as long life.
The suit’s features leave nothing to be desired: A high-quality TiZip zipper, easily adjustable inlet and outlet valves, upgradeable with electrically heated underwear, HP bottleneck cuffs made of high-strength latex on the wrists, a 3mm neoprene neck cuff for maximum comfort, a 7mm hood with air outlet and 3mm boots made of double-sided, cross-layered neoprene with ankle straps and fin strap stoppers and a protective but very flexible sole.
Noteworthy is the Molle fastening system, which can be used in a variable and compatible manner. This way, the two detachable leg pockets can be attached easily, safely and comfortably.
Alterations of boots to a different shoe size or adjustments to neck or wrist cuffs are done free of charge at the own DYNAMICNORD service centre in Germany in only a couple of days.
The matching Dynaskins made with high-quality Polartec® technology are available in various designs. As an undersuit under the drysuit, as a single suit in warm waters or as a two-piece suit. Polartec® technology’s main features are neutral buoyancy, breathablilty and quick-drying.
Dynaskins are made largely from recycled plastic bottles.
The drysuit RS-351 for men and RS-352 for women are now available at your DYNAMICNORD dealer and in the online store.
Colors men and women: Black-Blue and Black-Burgundy
Sizes men: XS-4XL incl. intermediate sizes MS, MT, MLS, MLT, LS, LT, XLS, XLT, 2XLS, 3XLS, 4XLS
Sizes Women: XS-XL incl. intermediate sizes MS, MT, LS, XLS
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
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